The bare 300f4 is always sharper than the 70-200f2.8+1.7TC (340mm). For maximum reach and excellent photo quality the 300f4+1.7 =500f6.7. It is the best affordable, portable 500mm setup available. That being said, I use the 70-200f2.8+1.7TC when VR is required, ie: in a boat or kayak photographing whales. You should own both lenses, one will not replace the other.
--
Ken R. Pride

The 300mm is by far a better lens for birding, and takes the TC-14 very well. It is very sharp, and lighter. It also doesn't suffer from focus breathing, so you will get a true 300mm for shooting close subjects.

4 i am told that this lens gives great results even with 1.7 TC and the new 2.0 version 3 Tc please advise
thanks in advance
regards

srini

Wait for the VR version of the 300mm f4 announcement before deciding. See what the price bump because of VR being added Vs 70-200mm f2.8. Note: The 70-200 f2.8 is huge and heavy, adding a TC will further increase the total body-lens weight and length. I have the D300s, 300mm f4, TC1.4 and 70-200 f2.8, bought a BlackRapid strap because of the weight. I use tripod/monopod with a Manfrotto gimbal head(heavy & big!) to shoot birds, people love the Wemberly gimbal head(lighter & smaller) but was too expensive for me. I believe the TC1.7/300f4 WILL have unacceptable SLOW auto focus speed, useless for BIF(birds in flight). Read plenty of positive comments about using 300f4/TC1.4, I keep the TC connected all the time to limit dust getting into the 300mmf4, which might not be a issue with the new version. 300mm/f4 with TC1.4 gives great bokeh. VR is very useful handheld and lower light conditions.
Hope this helps in making your decision.

so, this says to me you are getting close enough to overfill the frame with 300mm with or without 1.4, and cannot zoom out, hence the need for the zoom. 70-200 would make sense.

2.i understand that the IQ of this lens is uperb

Native, yes.

3. VRII is very helpful in my shaking hands

Agreed.

4 i am told that this lens gives great results even with 1.7 TC and the new 2.0 version 3 Tc please advise

I have seen reviews of the 70-200 with 2x which was directly compared to the superzooms (150-500mm, 50-500mm, 200-500mm) and it came up short IQ wise against all of those.
With a 1.7 it may perform better.

My concern is that when you are not close enough and you need to get closer, if the 200 + 1.7 will satisfy you as you now have 420mm and will have to live with 340mm.
Seems you need something to cover the 100-400/500mm range.

This I base on the fact that you said you would need to SWITCH, and not acquire additionally.

I'm surprised at what I'm reading. Even in wildlife parks I don't think I would find 300mm enough for birds. And the beast of a 2.8 zoom + 1.4x converter is something I only see my sports shooting chums using when they have to. I would have more have expected the 300mm + 1.4 TC!

I too was surprised. The OP did however state that large mammals and large birds are the subject, so the 70-200 may just work OK there.
If reach was/is an issue, we may have a different conversation
--
Kevin - Photos 'n Prose:
http://the-photo-muse.blogspot.com/
WSSA member #104
DPR on pic posting ...

many many times you guys have come to my rescue and cleared the cobwebs.cant really appreciate you guys enough.i will stick to my 300 F/4 and when i become rich(it better be soon as i am pushing 70) will probably buy a 200-400 f2.8 and a 400 f/4
thank you guys
best regards
srini

what about a 70-300 VR for the larger / closer stuff (as you're waiting to get rich) and keep the 300/4 (with and without the TC) for the rest?

I can certainly understand you wanting VR with those focal lengths as I have enough difficulties handholding a 180/2.8 plus 1.4 TC with any consistency. Without some sort of support / leaning against something etc., that is. And that's on a D700...

Continue to remind yourself of the money you're currently saving while you're at it, too. I have the Kenko 300 DGX 1.4 TC (very decent for the price IMO) and wish I had access to the older 300/4 IF-ED (and a D300) for the occasional use so consider yourself fortunate there as well.

Nikon will most likely come up with an upgrade to the 80-400 or add VR to the 300/4 fairly soon but I can't imagine either being much less than $2500.

i bet you would do darn well as councilor .LOL. thank you kind sir. yes i am right now counting my blessings ( and my 300 f/4 and d300) they will see me thro and i will probably add a 70- 300 Vr as you suggest heres some thing as a token of thanks
best regards
srini

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